Patna: Patna observed World Ozone Day on Monday with an engaging programme at the Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI), bringing together environmental experts, researchers, and students. The event, organised by the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) at the Centre for Studies on Environment and Climate (CSEC), focused on the importance of living in harmony with nature and taking concrete steps to address environmental challenges.
Father Tony Pendanath, Director of Taru Mitra, an artificially-created forest in Patna, was the keynote speaker. In his address, Father Tony said that staying healthy begins with staying connected to the natural world. He encouraged people to use herbal plants as medicine, noting that they have no harmful side effects and are safer for the body than many chemical-based drugs. He also released CSEC’s Annual Report for 2024–25, which summarises research findings and recommendations for improving Patna’s environment.
Dr Sunil Gupta of CSEC-ADRI presented highlights of the report, stressing the need for Patna to follow the waste management models of cities like Indore, Chennai, and Madurai. He said these cities had shown how disciplined waste segregation and timely collection could drastically improve cleanliness and public health. Father Tony added that sustainable development could be achieved by adopting practices such as apiculture (beekeeping) and horticulture, which provide livelihoods while supporting the ecosystem. He proudly shared that his eight-acre bio-reserve now has over 450 species of medicinal plants, serving as a living example of biodiversity conservation.
The discussion also touched on the global fight to save the ozone layer. Father Tony said he was happy that the problem of the ozone hole, once a major concern, has been contained to a large extent through global action on harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Gulshan Patel, IT Officer of EIACP, gave a detailed presentation on how the ozone hole was first discovered, the dangers it posed, and how nations came together under the Montreal Protocol to phase out CFCs. He called it a rare victory for international cooperation and said it should inspire similar united efforts to fight climate change. Patel suggested that ordinary citizens can help by spreading awareness, reducing pollution, practising proper waste management, and supporting public transport.
The event concluded with a symbolic gesture as Father Tony planted a sapling on ADRI’s premises to mark World Ozone Day. Dr Mousumi Gupta, Research Lead and EIACP Coordinator at ADRI, welcomed the guests and emphasised the importance of community participation in environmental protection. Ms Pooja Kumari of CSEC-ADRI was also present during the event. Organisers said that the programme aimed to motivate the public to take small but meaningful steps that would lead to a cleaner, greener, and healthier Patna in the future.
